TL;DR
- METRO Charity to close on March 31, 2026.
- Cited financial pressures and sustainability issues.
- Founded over 40 years ago, it supported LGBTQ+ health.
- 64 jobs will be lost due to closure.
- Legacy of METRO will endure despite shutdown.
In a devastating blow to the LGBTQ+ community, METRO Charity, one of the UK’s longest-running LGBTQ+ organizations, has announced its impending closure after more than four decades of service. The London-based charity, which has been a cornerstone for LGBTQ+ health and community support, will officially cease operations on March 31, 2026, following a thorough review of its financial viability.
After 18 months of desperate attempts to stabilize its finances, the Board of Trustees made the heart-wrenching decision to shut down. “We’ve explored all viable options,” the charity stated, but ultimately, the financial pressures proved too great to overcome. The closure of METRO reflects a troubling trend within the voluntary sector, particularly in health and youth services, where funding cuts and rising demand have created a perfect storm of challenges.
Founded over 40 years ago, METRO has been a vital provider of LGBTQ+ health services, offering everything from sexual health support to mental health services, youth programs, and advocacy. The charity has been a trailblazer in the community, launching the UK’s first community-based HIV testing clinic and playing an active role in protests against discriminatory policies like Section 28.
At its peak, METRO supported tens of thousands of individuals each year through its commissioned services and community-led programs. Sadly, the organization now faces the loss of around 64 jobs as part of this closure, leaving many staff members and volunteers heartbroken.
Chief Executive Tony Wong expressed his pride in the charity’s achievements, stating, “While this is an incredibly difficult moment, I am proud of everything METRO has achieved. That legacy will endure long beyond the organization itself.” Dawn Brown, chair of the board of trustees, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the emotional toll this news will have on staff, volunteers, partners, and service users.
The charity is now in the process of a managed wind-down, working closely with commissioners and partners to ensure continuity of services wherever possible. As METRO prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a rich legacy of advocacy and support that has touched countless lives in the LGBTQ+ community.
This closure is not just a loss for METRO but a significant loss for the LGBTQ+ community at large. As we look back on the incredible work done by METRO over the years, let’s honor their contributions and continue the fight for equality and support for all LGBTQ+ individuals.